If you want to watch the announcement live, click here.
Here are the details from the state release-
KALAMAZOO – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced a $330-million expansion in Mattawan and Kalamazoo by MPI Research Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive preclinical research and development services. The project is expected to create 3,300 new jobs at the company and an additional 3,300 indirect Michigan jobs over the next 15 years.
Pfizer plans to donate buildings to the city of Kalamazoo to facilitate the expansion which is contingent upon final agreements between Pfizer, the city of Kalamazoo, and MPI Research. Assistance provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helped convince the company to choose Michigan for the expansion over a competing site in China.
The announcement was celebrated at an event in Kalamazoo today, with the governor joining MPI Research Chairman and CEO Bill Parfet and state and local officials.
“We worked hard to win MPI’s investment, and we will continue to go anywhere and do anything to get more companies like this to locate in Michigan,” Granholm said. “This expansion – one of the largest life sciences expansions in Michigan’s history – demonstrates that we have the kind of outstanding workforce and competitive business climate that can win a project like this.”
MPI Research will invest approximately $330 million to expand its operations, including $30 million to launch new operations in Kalamazoo at the two buildings donated by Pfizer on East Lovell and Portage streets.
Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board today approved a state tax credit valued at $86 million over 15 years to secure the company’s investment. The MEDC supports a Renaissance Zone designation, as well as a $2-million, 21st Century Jobs Fund grant to Western Michigan for redevelopment activities at the Kalamazoo site. Through the transportation economic development fund, the Michigan Department of Transportation will provide funding for improvements at or near the I-94 interchange that are necessary to accommodate the traffic generated by MPI’s expansion.
Excellent news for the Kalamazoo area - and for Michigan as well!
MPI is already taking applications according to the Kalamazoo Gazette-
According to officials at MPI Research, the 3,300 jobs expected to be created during the next five years will involve a wide range of duties and will average about $50,000 a year in compensation. Officials say the preclinical testing operation has been recruiting scientific talent from each of the state's large universities in recent years but has job postings for all sorts of work, from custodial associate and summer employment opportunities to analytical study director and surgical study director.
To apply - go to the MPI Research Careers page.
UPDATE: Here is video of Granholm's speech-
